Salkantay Inca Trail 7 Days to Machu Picchu

CUSCO - HUMANTAY LAGOON - WAYLLABAMBA - CHAQUICOCHA - WIÑAYHUAYNA - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Overview

The Salkanta Trail and the 7-day Inca Trail, It is some of the most famous treks in South America. Both lead to Machu Picchu. If you don’t know how to choose one of them, there is something better for you. You can do a complete tour and not miss the advantages of both trails by choosing both in a 7-day hike. It is one of the most unique experiences of your life.

You can see the first 3 days of the trail, the mountain ranges, glaciers such as Salkantay and Humantay, lakes, and forests, and the last 4 days of Inca remains such as Runkurakay, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, Intipata and the famous entrance to the Puerta del Sol (INTIPUNKU). ) and finally Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is the ideal place if you want to see true nature and how the Inca civilization was at its best.

The 7-day Salkantay and Inca Trail trek is so amazing that it has been nominated as the best trek in the world by some companies such as “The National Geographic” channel.

You should not worry because it will be an unforgettable trip and you will be able to experience all the wonders of Peru in these 7 days. The trip will be the best you will ever have and will leave an incredible impression for the rest of your life. You will be tempted to talk about it with your friends and family. So pack your bags and enjoy your vacation by traveling to one of the best places in the world.

SALKANTAY INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU 7 DAYS  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Humantay Lake: The lake is one of the most beautiful lakes that includes amazing views of the surroundings. It is also known as the Blue Lake.
  • Salkantay Mountain: Considered the second highest snow peak in Cusco and since ancient times ceremonies have been made to this God (APU)
  • Inca Ruins: Ruins such as Paucarcancha, Runkurakay, and Wiñayhuayna show the rich culture of these historical places. Infrastructure, places of worship, and agricultural equipment and land are worth seeing because they are very good indicators of civilization.
  • Peruvian Gastronomy: You will taste typical dishes such as Ceviche and Lomo Saltado
  • The Puerta del Sol: It is one of the wonders of these ruins and you have to see it because it is like an entrance to Machu Picchu and shows the impressive exterior views of the ruins.
  • Beautiful landscapes: The road is full of beautiful lands such as the Ish forest, the Andes mountain range, and the Umbala river. Therefore, there is always something worth seeing on this trail and you will be constantly amazed by the different landscapes you will see.
  • Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu has always been the priority or you can call it the highlight of the trip. The ruins offer a rich experience of the beauty and culture of civilization.

SALKANTAY TREK INCA TRAIL 7 DAYS ITINERARY

Day 01: Cusco – Soraypampa
Day 02: Soraypampa – Salkantay Pampa
Day 03: Salkantay Pampa – Pampacahuarina
Day 04: Pampacahuarina – Llullucha Pampa
Day 05: Llucha Pampa – Chaquicocha
Day 06: Chaquicocha – Wiñayhuayna
Day 07: Wiñayhuayna – Machu Picchu

OUR PROMISE

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24/7 emergency assistance from English-speaking staff.

Tour Price 7 Days Tour 6 Nights

Salkantay Inca Trail 7 Days Salkantay Inca Trail 7 Days to Machu Picchu
Price From
$ 1050 per Person
Group SizeUP TO 10
Activity LevelCHALLENGING
Trip StylesHIKING
Lodging TypeCAMPS

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DAY 1. CUSCO – MOLLEPATA – SORAYPAMPA- HUMANTAY LAKE

The pick-up will be in Cusco to go to the town of Mollepata to have breakfast and continue by bus for about an hour until the start of the walk called Challacancha. You will arrive at the destination and you will be provided with mules and other things so that they take your food and equipment, you will be provided with tour guides, cooks, and those in charge of the horses that will take you to the Soyapampa, which are full of vegetation and beauty. The highlight of day 1 will be Lake Hamantlay, which sits at an elevation of 4,200 meters and is majestically beautiful.

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Max. elevation: 3,600 m (10,200 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,803 m (9,196 ft)
Difficulty: Easy

DAY 2: DAY 2: SORAYPAMPA – SALKANTAY PAMPA – JAPONESA PAMPA

On day 2 you will wake up at 6:30 am and be offered a tea or coffee of your choice. This is a relatively easy walk since it involves a total distance of 8 km and a time of around 6 hours. However, do not be afraid that they will provide you with meals, as well as participate in local rituals and learn more about their religion. From Soraypampa, it is about another hour’s walk to Salkantaypampa (4,100m). Due to the high altitude, the view will be incredible. and then continue through Ichupata uphill to the Japonesa Pampa camp where you will have lunch and then have a well-deserved nap. In the afternoon visit the Salkantay lagoon which is only 20 minutes from the camp where you will appreciate it in all its splendor, enjoy the return to the camp, and have tea time and dinner

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 8 km
Max. elevation: 4700/16,700 ft
Min. elevation: 3900 m/13,123 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 3: DAY 3: JAPONESA PAMPA – PAMPACAWANA

From Japonesa Pampa, the trek continues towards the Inca Trail. You must see the road to experience the incredible scenery. The trail will take you to the Incachiriaska Pass, which is the highest point of this hike (5028 m). The views are incredible and you will realize why people considered it God. Here you will be able to experience wildlife, which is rare.

Then descend to the Pampacawana camp, which is a small farming town where we will spend the night.

Estimated trekking time: 6 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km
Max. elevation: 5,100 m/16,700 ft
Min. elevation: 4,700 m/13,123 ft
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 4: DAY 4: PAMPACAWANA – LLULLUCHAPAMPA

Pampacawana is the next stop on day 4, Here you will experience the beauty of the Inca Trail and you will be able to experience all the wonders of wildlife and other things. We will visit the Inca center of Paucarcancha and the guide will explain about this place, then we will continue for 30 minutes to Wayllabamba. Then you will leave the mules and get the porters who will have to be transported to the place. You will spend the night in the Llulluchapampa camp (3800m). As you will see the different sites of the places you want to see. The views will be so amazing that you will have to capture them with your camera or mobile. You will cherish these keepsakes forever.

Estimated trekking time: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 13 km
Max. elevation: 3,855 m/12,650 ft
Min. elevation: 3,000 m/9,842 ft
Difficulty: Difficult

DAY 5: DAY 5: LLULLUCHAPAMPA – PACAYMAYO – CHAQUICOCHA

The fifth day will be the longest and perhaps you will have the most fun on this hike. The walk is long but you will be able to experience the Paso de la Mujeres Muerta (4200 m high). Glaciers, rivers, lakes, and mountains are worth seeing. The places are known for the Inca trail so you have to be careful. You can see many birds like hummingbirds in this section. You will visit archaeological centers such as Runkurakay and Phuyupatamarca, then you will see the cloud forest and you will be able to see more wildlife. After all the exploration, you will arrive at the Chaquicocha camp. Here you will have dinner and spend the night.

Estimated trekking time: 7-8 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km
Max. elevation: 4,200 m (12,630 ft)
Min. elevation: 3,800 m (11,480 ft)
Difficulty: Challenging

DAY 6: DAY 6: CHAQUICOCHA – INTIPATA – WIÑAYHUAYNA

The sixth day is the relaxation day, you will hike to Phuyupatamarca. This place is very close to the Inca people since it is the place where their elders learned astronomy. So, you will experience the rich culture here. It will be a 3-hour walk to the Inca center of Winay Wanya and on the way you will find many incredible views. The tour guide will explain the views and their significance in the civilization of the Inca people. It is also possible to see the mountain of Machu Picchu which means that we will be close to the Inca center of Machu Picchu.

Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Max. elevation: 3,670 m (12,040 ft)
Min. elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate

DAY 7: DAY 7: WIÑAYHUAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

And the day comes when you visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. The day begins with breakfast and then a full 3-hour visit to every corner of Machu Picchu. The ruins are surely the best archaeological and tourist sites. You will see the sun gate, many temples, agricultural land, and archeological wonders. After the exciting visit to Machu Picchu, you will descend to the point of Aguas Calientes, where lunch will be served. From this point, you will travel back to your hotel in Cusco. This will be the end of your 7-day adventure.

Tour Inclusions

Salkantay trek and classic Inca Trail  7 Day Includes

  • A pre-trek briefing the night before the start of your trek
  • One English-speaking guide.
  • Private transport from Cusco to the trailhead.
  • Horses and Horseman guides. Horses are for carrying supplies and 8 kg / 16 pounds of your personal items.
  • Porters
  • Camping equipment along the Salkantay Inca Trail 7 days
  • Hiking pools
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cook, Porters
  • bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes.
  • Entrance fee of Machu Picchu.
  • Private guided tour at Machu Picchu Inca citadel.
  • 6 breakfast, 6 lunch, 6 afternoon tea, and 6 dinners.
  • 4-person capacity tents. 2 people will be assigned per tent.
  • Foam sleeping mattress.
  • Water supply (boiled) after every meal.
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
  • Dining tent with camp tables and chairs.
  • A duffle bag, to put in your personal belonging, which will be carried by pack horses.
  • First Aid Kit & oxygen bottle.

Not Includes

  • Entrance ticket of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
  • Gratuities for the crew (muleteers, cook, guide).
  • Hotel accommodations in Cusco.
  • Day 7 lunch in Aguas Calientes.
  • Personal expenses (Internet access along the trail, laundry personal taxis).
Starting at
$ 1050 USD
Per person (Group service)

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Trip Info

What to Pack

Prices Tour

How to Book

Additional Information

PACKING LIST TO INCA TRAIL AND SALKANTAY TREK 7 DAYS  

Personal trekking gear and a sleeping bag are required for the Salkantay trek and Inca trail for 7 days. We include sleeping bags for those who don’t bring their own, as well as trekking pole rentals for those who prefer them. We give the necessary downtime for this hike.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the following suggested items to bring on the Lares trek:

Clothing:

  • Footwear suited to hiking
  • Wool or synthetic hiking socks
  • Long trousers (like leggings or hiking pants)
  • T-shirts or other lightweight tops
  • A sweater or coat made of fleece
  • A raincoat or poncho is required.
  • Wear a warm hat and gloves
  • Clothing suited for swimming or use in hot springs.
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Wet towel

Gear:

  • Daypack (20-30L)
  • Bag for sleeping in (good for temperatures between 32 and 41 degrees F, or 0 and 5 degrees C).
  • You can rent one from the business if you do not already have one.
  • Flashlight or headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • Trekking poles (preferred but optional), which the company can provide if you don’t already own a set.
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap to protect from the sun
  • Hydration pack or water bottle (at least 1.5 liters)
  • Individual hygiene items (such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap)

Optional:

  • Imaging device or mobile phone
  • Power bank or portable charger
  • A book or e-reader to pass the time with
  • Feast on some trail mix, dried fruit, or energy bars as a snack.
  • Soles (for spending on souvenirs and other goodies)
  • Dress in layers, and carry both warm and waterproof clothing or rain ponchos, as the weather in the Andes can be unpredictable.

Document you must have with you on the trek

  • First Edition Passport
  • To receive a student discount, you must have a valid, original student ID.

Note: You can bring up to 7 kg of personal items with you on the trek, and INCA TRAIL HIKE will give a duffel bag for you to use. A day hike requires only the essentials, all of which you will take in a tiny backpack. The duffel bag will be easily accessible at each campground, so you may keep all of your other items in there.

Salkantay Inca trail 7 days cost

SALKANTAY TREK

Student: $950 USD

Adult: $1050 USD

Additional Enhancements for Your Salkantay Trek:

Huayna Picchu Mountain: $60 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio

Machu Picchu Mountain: $60 USD (subject to availability). Check availability at https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio

Upgrade to Vistadome – Panoramic Train (if you choose the train return option): $35 USD

STUDENT PRICE:

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE:

The student price is available for all students around the world, provided that they meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is applicable when purchasing Machu Picchu tickets from the Peruvian government.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE STUDENT PRICE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

Your student ID must be an original ID issued by your university, made of PVC material.

The student ID must have the following information printed on it.

University information.

Student name.

Student picture.

The student ID must have a valid expiration date printed on it, which is only valid for one year. For instance, if you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the expiration date on your ID must be 2023 or 2024. If you visit Machu Picchu in 2023, the maximum expiration date allowed is 2024.

The student discount is available only for students who are not more than 25 years old.

The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) is not valid for the discount, even if it meets the requirements mentioned above.

The only valid document for the student price is the original student ID that meets the requirements set by the Peruvian government. No other documents such as certifications or virtual cards are accepted as proof of student status.

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Salkantay Inca trail 7 days FAQS

Is this trail better than other hikes?

Yes, because this is a complete package and it covers all the essential aspects of South America.

What is the highest altitude of the trail?

The highest point of the trail is 5100 meters above sea level.

What is the best time of the year to do the Inca-Salkantay trail?

The best time of the year is during the dry season of May and December. You must program according to this.

How difficult is an Inca-Salkantay trail for a normal person?

For a person without any medical conditions, this trail is quite easy. You can do it easily. However, it is a 7-day trip so you have to be mentally prepared for it. But you have to take physical fitness into account and check beforehand if there are any medical conditions.

Should I do the walk on my own?

No, you should always have a tour guide to have a more efficient and safe experience.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always covered on the tours you book. Also, what is tea time (popcorn, cookies, milk, chocolate, coffee

Are there any age restrictions?

No, there are no such limitations, however before bringing children or elderly people you should consider their health and condition to know if they can do so. It is recommended that children be older than 7 days.

How do I book the trip?

You can contact different people through this website and we will guide you on prices and all the details.

Do I have to tip guides and porters?

Although it is not required, it is always good to tip the people who do all these tasks for you. Show goodwill and help the locals.

Where are we going to sleep?

You will sleep at the campsite preferably in very comfortable tents for 3 seasons so don’t be worried about the weather

What will happen if a hiker is presented with an emergency medical situation?

Don’t worry. The guides will have a first aid kit and are trained in first aid. In case of a serious emergency, we carry a satellite phone to call an ambulance or a doctor.

Salkantay Trek vs. Inca trail

Salkantay Trek

It’s tougher, more basic, and there are fewer ruins, but it features more breathtaking scenery for those who are fit enough to embark on it. For some, its appeal is that it is a more authentic trek. It’s certainly quieter and affords more time to take in the scenery away from the crowds. This trek averages only about 50 people per day compared to nearly 200 tourists per day on the Inca Trail, and the lack of ruins can be compensated by adding visits to Ollantaytambo or Pisac in the Sacred Valley.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world and attracts thousands of trekkers every year. That creates as many ups and downs as you’ll find on the trail itself. The positive is that choosing this option means you’ll be hiking the original trail that the Incas did, and it allows you to see otherwise unreachable ruins. The downside is that it can be busy, with the often narrow path congested by a single-file line of trekkers.

On this trail you can enjoy the most outstanding places of both treks so prepare your suitcase and come to Peru

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